NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES)

The City of Parker, FL is regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop and regulate under federal law a stormwater management plan as it is listed in the Federal Register as a National Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System. The City contracted with an engineering company several years ago to develop and manage a program that would obtain a permit for its urbanized areas from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

In order for the City to be in compliance with the permit they must adhere to the specific program requirements which the City must either have in place or plan to implement at a given intervals. The program states that the City must develop and follow the following items in order to stay in compliance.

The U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA) developed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permitting program in two phases. Phase I promulgated in 1990. Phase II, promulgated in 1999, addresses additional sources, including MS4s not regulated under Phase I, and small construction activity disturbing between one and five acres, which must be permitted beginning 2003.

NPDES has been implemented in all areas except Indian Country lands. DEP's authority to administer the NPDES stormwater program is set forth in Section 403.0885, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The NPDES water program regulates point source discharges of stormwater into surface waters of the State of Florida from certain municipal, industrial, and construction activities.

Municipal operations pollution prevention program Public Involvement and Participation Illicit discharge detection and elimination program Runoff retention controls for development and significant redevelopment

The city maintains and repairs the public storm drainage system. Operations include inspection of the storm sewer system, catch basin cleaning, making necessary repairs to the system, and removing log jams from city streams.

Street Sweeping Program

The frequency of cleaning varies from once a week on major thoroughfares to quarterly in lower-use residential streets.

Debris Pick-up

The city provides debris pickup, which includes leaves and brush, weekly to all city residents.

Fleet Maintenance Program

This program minimizes the potential for any stormwater pollution. Preventative measures used include the following:

All city fleet maintenance operations are conducted within the main garage at the Public Works facility. This area is completely enclosed, features numerous spill control measures, and is inspected regularly.

All waste oil generated through fleet maintenance operations is recycled.

The city uses only above-ground fuel storage tanks which are equipped with leak detection.

Training

The city provides training for employees in activities that could impact stormwater quality. The training is focused on minimizing the potential for stormwater pollution from parks, fleet maintenance, street maintenance, and storm/sewer maintenance. These training sessions are conducted annually.

Activities

The following four activities develop public support and improve the effectiveness of the stormwater program:

Stormwater Hotline: The city has designated a contact person to receive questions and complaints regarding stormwater quality. If you have a question or comment about a stormwater quality issue, please call (850) 871-4283.

Council Meetings: Once a year, the city organizes a meeting to discuss the NPDES annual report and other stormwater-related topics

Public Participation: The city provides opportunities for public participation at the Planning Board Public Hearings that can include stormwater-related discussions (e.g., treatment requirements).

Detect & Address Illicit Discharges

The city performs field inspection of outfalls and identification of any illicit discharges found.

Educate Public Employees

The city has developed a training program for city staff to provide information on the hazards of illegal discharges and improper waste disposal. Educate Businesses & General Public The public education program includes information on the hazards of illegal discharges and improper waste disposal. This information is available by coming to City Hall and it's also sent out in our newsletters.

The City has worked with Bay County GIS and developed a digital map of the entire public storm sewer system using geographic information system (GIS) software. This map contains basic information about all components of the public storm sewer system. For additional information or questions, please contact the Public Works Department at (850) 871-4283.

~ Carla Donley, City of Parker

The City of Parker supports Equal Housing and Equal Employment Opportunities. The City of Parker is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability or citizenship.